>> Thursday, December 31, 2009

It’s pretty interesting to reflect on the last year and think about what's happened, what I've learned and done. I didn’t think very much, at the beginning of the year, about what the end of it would look like. Maybe I will this year. Nothing too crazy has happened (I consider that a positive) but there have been some definite changes. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with the way things have gone and where I am right now.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year (though it certainly isn’t just one), it’s that goals are not very meaningful unless they’re specific and tie into a bigger picture of where you see yourself going. So, for most of my goals this year I have some specific numbers, weekly/monthly benchmarks, and other details in mind. The harder (but more interesting) part is getting a clearer sense of that bigger picture...here we go:

1. Start running again
2. Pay off a significant chunk of my OSAP loan...like, half (trust me, that is a lot)
3. To that end: undertake some serious financial planning
4. and to THAT end: learn to do my taxes!
5. Continue reading 2-3 books every month. I love book club(s)!
6. Spend more time cooking and eating at home (& trying new recipes!)
7. Make guitar practice a habit (difficult when you are as awful as I am)
8. Take a course at U of T (tbd?)
9. Stay in touch with long-distance friends and family
10. Write more

>> Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Is there anything in the world more embarrassing than crying at the office? Of course there is, let's not lose perspective here. It is pretty awkward, though, especially when you're not expecting it yourself - like when the song you've been listening to all day on repeat suddenly catches you off-guard on the 17th listen and that's it. Game over. That would be me, today:

I've been getting into the treasure trove / black hole of everyone's year-end lists (double super bonus: decade-end lists this year!) and catching up on music for the year. Today I got stuck on the Antlers and I'm kind of upset about the fact that every other song on my 'to listen' list isn't THIS SONG. At the same time, realizing that the same thing could happen tomorrow with another song is probably the reason I keep listening to music and haven't given up on the whole enterprise altogether.

Oh and tonight I watched the Blind Side. I now feel the urge to dye my hair blonde and begin affecting a southern accent (not for the first time). Maybe drive a pick-up truck. Call people darlin' and baby. Whatever. If the indie rock is getting to you, you could always try some of this:

I think I actually like Tim McGraw and his well-meaning (if not quite well-placed) pop culture / political references.

>> Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Every year I get stuff at Christmas I do not want (hint: I don't need pj's...I live alone). For some reason, people seem to think I am difficult to shop for. As far as I am concerned it is the easiest thing in the world. Then again, I do it all the time.

So what is the solution? For the first time ever, I am making a gift list. That's right! Good for all occasions, including birthdays (Feb. 11, btw). And here it is!

1) A subscription to the Economist (it is no longer available to read for free online...) thanks momma!
2) Bookmarks. Nice ones. No lame quotes or script-y things.
3) Gift certificate to the framing store near me - Gallery Boutique
4) Socks...you always need more
5) A complete set of the Anne of Green Gables books
6) Any books at all, including new ones, ones I've read and enjoyed but don't own, classic children's books, coffee table books with fun pictures
7) Good coffee
8) A coffee bean grinder
9) Anything related to music history or Bruce Springsteen.
10) Records. As in vinyl.
11) Ummmm....a moustache calendar
12) This and this from Etsy
13) A business card holder
14) Lincoln Park After Dark